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Abstract

In uniform and pleasing written style, this essay delineates the physiologic principles underlying clinical concepts of the circulation and how these are disturbed by different common disease processes. Major topics are oxygen delivery; blood flow; cardiac electrical activity and electrocardiography; heart muscle and pump functions; cardiac output; the arterial, capillary, venous, and lymphatic systems; blood volume; cardiovascular reflexes including diving reflex and exercise conditioning; pulmonary and other regional circulations; and shock, heart failure, hypertension, and valvular diseases.

The presentation is charming, with a mix of scientific facts and philosophical lessons, and is further enhanced by references to historical background and